Attention

Attention is the ability to maintain and dedicate focus to a particular task. Attention is believed to originate from sustained activity within certain areas of the brain, as of yet unknown. There are multiple theories within the cognitive perspective that deal with attention.

Broadbent's Filter Model

Broadbent’s filter model proposes that the mind blocks out information irrelevant to what one is focusing on, such as, say, ignoring another conversation going on at the same time.

Treisman's Attenuation Model

This theory states that the mind does not block other information, but that it instead limits information, but lets through important information.

The Deutsch-Norman memory selection model

This model states that a second selection process occurs in the process of receiving information. This mechanism chooses select items to go into short-term memory and our consciousness.